What I’ve got for you below is a list of casino reviews. In each one I cover their software, games, promotions and banking methods. I’ve done the research, and laid the information out in an easy to read review. I’ve done all the work. All you need to do is read each one to find the casino you like the best.
To get started just click on one of the links. Read the review, and if you like the casino you can use the links in the review to visit the casino and signup.
Read on below to learn more about how I review casinos including what I look for and why it matters.
European Blackjack Software and Games
When reviewing a casino, the very first thing I look at is their software. These are the things I look for:
Compatible software. Does the casino offer an alternative download for Mac and Linux users? If not, do they have a no-download version that you can play in your browser? Most casinos will offer a browser version.
Mobile software. Despite mobile blowing up, at least half of the casinos I’ve come across have yet to create an app or alternative download for tablet and smart phone users. Those that do will have an app, a mobile friendly version of their normal website or downloads of individual games.
Graphics and usability. How the software works is important. The ideal situation is a game that loads and deals the cards fast, and doesn’t lag or have bugs. Although not as important, I prefer a casino that has nice graphics too. Since I’m not going to a brick and mortar casino I want as much of the “real” casino experience as I can get.
Odds/Payouts/Rules. Comparing odds and payouts is smart. Some casinos actually pay 6:5 on a blackjack instead of 3:2, which you should avoid. And some will have different rules on when the dealer has to stand, how many times you can split pairs and double down. These all affect your odds of winning.
Other Casino Games. I also consider the other games. As much as I like blackjack, I got to have some variety. Sometimes I feel like video poker, other times I feel like poker, and once in a great while I want to play me some bonus video slots. So although my main game is European blackjack, I prefer a casino with a big game library.
Casino Promotions
There are a number of things to consider when checking out and comparing casino promotions. Especially when it comes to any variation of blackjack.
The first thing is whether or not the casino offers a deposit bonus. Deposit bonuses are for players signing up and making a deposit for the first time. These are usually match bonuses where the casinos match a percentage of your deposit up to so many dollars. For example, a 150% match bonus up to $600 would mean that you will be given $1.50 for every $1 you deposit up to a maximum of $600.
I think a lot of people would recommend checking out deposit bonus amounts first. But I disagree. The first thing you should find out is whether or not the casino allows you to play blackjack while clearing a bonus. Many casinos don’t, and if caught, you can have your bonus money and winnings confiscated. It’s not just blackjack that’s outlawed either. It’s usually a handful of the same table and specialty games like blackjack, craps, roulette and sic bo.
If the casino does allow it, then you’ll want to see if they handicap it. In other words, most casinos will require you to wager your deposit (plus bonus) so many times before you can make a withdrawal. If your bonus plus deposit is $500, and there is a 10x rollover, you’ll have to wager $5,000 before you can request a withdrawal.
However, casinos that allow blackjack to be played will usually handicap each wager you make so that you have to wager more. For example, a casino might say that blackjack games only count as 20% of a normal wager. What that means is that you need to wager 5x as much as you would a normal game (like slots). So instead of a 10x rollover, your rollover would actually be 50x, or $25,000.
So to summarize, you want to first find a casino that allows blackjack games to be played for your bonus, and then if the casinos you’re considering handicap it, find one that handicaps it the least. If none of them do, then look for a casino that has the smallest rollover requirements.
Once everything looks good there, then look for the biggest percentage and dollar amount.
Other than the deposit bonus, other promotions worth looking into include reload bonuses, VIP programs, refer-a-friend and game specific offers. Always read the terms and conditions too, as many of these promotions are game specific, will have rollover requirements and other terms that, if not followed, could void your rewards and winnings.
Banking
When it comes to banking what I feel is the most important aspect is the number of options available. The more options that are available, the more likely the casino will appeal to our readers. Additionally, since some countries more or less frown on online gambling, processors can be hard to come by or will frequently go down. This couldn’t apply more than to players in the USA.
Support
Last, but just as important, I check out the support. I make sure there are multiple options for getting in touch, such as a contact form, email, live chat, phone numbers or mail. I also like to test the support by sending a message or contacting them on live chat. Things I look for include how fast they respond, how nice they are and how well they are able to answer my questions. Support can make or break your experience, as I feel it’s an extension of the casino itself. So in order to earn my business, and yours too, the support needs to be top-notch.